Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

We're often asked by someone charged with a crime (or a by a concerned friend or family member), "Do I really need a lawyer?" The answer, almost without exception, is "Yes."

A criminal defense lawyer is the one person who stands between you and the awesome power of the government. The sad truth is there are many people in prison in the United States who have been convicted of a crime they did not commit. Either that, or they have been convicted of a more serious crime than they actually did commit.

Any individual accused of a crime in this country has only one thing going for him or her—the right to effective assistance of competent counsel. Over the past several decades sentences have become increasingly harsh, striking fear in the hearts of most defendants as well as their lawyers. As a result, many defendants are told to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit because their lawyers are either unwilling or unable to fight for their freedom.

The simple truth is that the best possible result comes from a position of strength, not weakness. The only way to defend from a position of strength is to think "outside the box," to find innovative approaches that relate to the specific set of circumstances for each defendant and his or her case, and to develop strategies that give each defendant the best possible hope of success. All of these tasks take enormous effort.

Consider carefully when deciding who you want to represent you. Does the lawyer approach your representation with his focus on you and your particular situation? Does the attorney have the experience and reputation to follow through on his promise that he will fight for you? You do not need to love your criminal defense lawyer when you retain him. You need to love him when the case is over. Second chances in the criminal justice system are rare—and even then, second chances are very expensive and usually come with a prison sentence until set right.

So you need to have the right legal representation as early as possible. Give yourself the best possible chance to prevail by making the best possible choice now. You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands that his job is to serve your needs—and to fight hard.